Pre-university Programme: A-level

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Posted by Erlina

Pre-university Programmes Overview: Form Six, Matriculation, A-level, AUSMAT, SAM, ICPU, IB, Foundation

A-level (Advanced Level)

The General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level), more commonly known as the A-level, is usually taken by students after the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). One of the most widely recognized qualifications for entry into a degree program at universities worldwide; the GCE A-level is administered through a few examination boards. In Malaysia, most of the A-level programs are administered through the Cambridge International Examination (CIE) and Edexcel International.

In 2001, the A level was split into 2 phases – the AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A2 examinations. Satisfactory achievement in units at both levels will then result in the award of an A level qualification.

The A level examinations are highly specialized and the minimum number of A levels required for entrance into universities is usually 3. Students should seek advice on the subject combination that they should take in order to pursue undergraduate degree programs after A Level.

Entry Requirements
SPM, O-levels or its equivalent with 5 credits including English, mathematics / science and a pass in Bahasa Melayu.

Duration
1 – 2 years (depending on which intake and college)

Intake
January, March and July

Fee
RM16,000 for 3 subjects and RM18,000 for 4 subjects

Subjects
The list of subjects offered in the A level programs differs slightly from one institutions to another. It is thus advisable to check with an institution before registering with it.

The more common subjects offered by most institutions are as follows:

• General paper (compulsory)
• Mathematics
• Further mathematics (must be taken with mathematics)
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Accounting
• Computing
• Business studies
• Economics
• Law
• Psychology
• Sociology
• English literature
• Thinking skills

In addition to these subjects, students will have to study the compulsory MQA subjects which include : Malaysian studies, moral/Islamic studies and Bahasa Malaysia (exempted if a credit in Bahasa Malaysia has been obtained at SPM Level)

Assessment
With the introduction of the 2 phases, students wishing to obtain their A-level have to take the AS qualification in an examination session and the final part of the assessment (A2) in a subsequent session. These examinations are all set and marked by the CIE examiners.
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